Los Angeles media layoffs claim longtime KROQ host, majority of LA Weekly staff

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Longtime KROQ personality Ralph Garman tearfully announced he is signing off from the Kevin and Bean Show early Thursday morning.

"I thought I would be easier as the day went on to thank you, the listeners," Garman said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Garman has hosted the Showbiz beat segment and is known for providing a slew of voices for the radio show.

"The best part of this job has been you people," Garman told listeners through tears.

KROQ confirmed Garman's exit in a tweet.

"Sad to report that our friend @RalphGarman will no longer be a part of the @kevinandbean morning show. We wish him all the best and know he will continue to be successful in everything he does."

Garman had been with KROQ for 18 years and did not give a reason for his departure. He did, however, clear up a rumor apparently making the rounds on Twitter.

"It's not because of inappropriate sexual behavior in any way," Garman said. "That's the world we live in now. That's crazy."

Garman's longtime friend Kevin Smith with the Hollywood Babble On podcast claimed in a tweet Garmen was canned because of budget cuts.

"After giving them 20 years of laughs loyalty & his life, @kroq just s***-canned my Babble brother @RalphGarman because of budget cuts. But worse? They won't let Ralph say WHY he's fired on @kevinandbean today!" Smith tweeted.

Over the summer, KROQ came under new ownership when CBS merged with Entercom.

Meanwhile, another L.A. media outlet is also going through pains after being sold. Nearly half the staff of LA Weekly was cut overnight Wednesday.

"We were expecting there to be some pain with the sale of @LAWeekly. But we weren't expecting the Red Wedding. That's how deep the cuts are... Nine of 13 editorial staffers are gone, including all five editors and all but one staff writer," a former editor tweeted.